A Wales Of A Good Time

This year’s Ryder Cup Host offers great golf and sightseeing.

DiversionsThe 38th Ryder Cup.Played on Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course this October 1-3. Corey Pavin captains the reigning champs, while Colin Montgomerie hopes to bring the cup back to Europe.

Castles.Lots of ’em. At times it seems there are nearly as many castles in Wales as there are sheep. Although many now are mostly ruins, about 200 or so are in remarkably decent shape and a blast to visit. Villages. Take my advice: Get lost. Set your “Sat Nav” for one village and wind your way through a dozen others, stopping for chicken in a basket and real ale at pub after pub. Some must-stops: Cowbridge (near Southerndown) and Usk (north of Celtic Manor).

British EnglishVSAmerican English

Buggy

Golf Cart

Outside of resort courses, buggies may be hard to find. And that’s a good thing if you want your golf to be “as it should be.”

Stroke Index

Handicap

Bring your handicap card with you. It’ll prove that you have club affiliation (a must if you want to play “private” courses).

Trolly

Push Cart

Makes the walk around these beautiful courses all the more enjoyable.

Sat Nav

GPS

Short for satellite navigation, the Sat Nav is a must if you plan to drive in Wales. The roads are narrow, the hedgerows are high, and speed cameras are everywhere. How does the Sat Nav help with that? It beeps whenever you approach one.

Where To StayCeltic Manor Resort.Founded in 1995, the five-star, 400-bed Celtic Manor Resort features a spa, six restaurants and easy access to the resort’s three courses.

The Great House. Dating from the 1550s when Queen Elizabeth I gave it to the Earl of Leicester for use as a hunting lodge, the Great House is about 20 minutes east of Royal Porthcawl and just as far north from Southerndown. Spend some time by the large fireplace and throw back a pint or two. St. Brides Hotel. Located atop a hill offering a view of the charming Carmarthen Bay, this modern hotel and spa is the perfect place to unwind after playing Tenby.

Park Plaza Cardiff.Just around the corner from the beautifully restored Cardiff Castle, the Park Plaza Hotel is centrally located in downtown Cardiff near a shopping arcade. Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa. Centrally located near some of Wales must-see historical sites, including Tintern Abbey, Raglan Castle and the charming village of Usk.